Acting United States Attorney April M. Leon confirmed that Keyshawn Newman, 24, and Ransom Parker, 27, both from Zachary, Louisiana, received federal prison sentences from U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles for their roles in a firearms theft. Newman is to serve 39 months, while Parker received a 70-month sentence. Both sentences will be followed by three years of supervised release.
The convictions stem from a theft on June 19, 2023, when four masked individuals were caught on surveillance at Thompson Creek Sporting Goods. The group, wearing hoodies, triggered a breach alarm upon accessing the store. Swift notification from the store owner drew the attention of the Jackson Police Department, who arrived as the suspects fled, some dropping firearms in their haste.
The police response included establishing a search perimeter which led to the recovery of ten of the twelve stolen firearms. Keyshawn Newman was later identified by a maintenance worker at East Mental Hospital, six miles away, and admitted involvement. Parker, the designated driver of the getaway vehicle, was subsequently linked to the crime by co-defendants and also admitted to participating in the burglary.
The stolen firearms were detailed as follows: CMMG, model MK4, 4.6x30 caliber pistol; Armalite, model M-15, 5.56 caliber rifle; Arsenal, model SAM-5, 5.56 caliber rifle; Diamondback, model DB-15, 5.56 caliber rifle; Hi-Point, model 1095, 10mm caliber rifle; Radom, model Sporter, 7.62x39 caliber rifle; Riley Defense, model RAK74, 5.45x39 caliber rifle; Rock Island Armory, model VR80, 12-gauge shotgun; Ruger, model LC Carbine, 5.7x28 caliber rifle; Ruger, model AR556, 300 Blackout caliber rifle; and a Diamondback, model DB-15, 5.56 caliber rifle.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, joined by the Jackson Police Department and East Feliciana Sheriff’s Office, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Eli J. Abad prosecuted the case.